Family: Labiatae
Note: middle
Place of origin: a native of the mediterranean; also cultivated in the U.S.A., Japan, Great Britain, Italy.
- although the U.S.A. produces more oil, the European oils are considered superior in quality to any other oil.
Method of extraction: steam distillation of the leaves and flowering tops.
3 main areas this oil can help:
1. Beneficial for upset stomachs and diarrhea
2. Migraine and headaches
3. Influenza
Effects on the mind:
- cephalic property stimulates the brain, aiding in clear thinking.
- its scent counters insomnia, shock, mental fogginess and lack of focus.
- leaves the recipient fresh, bright and ready for more mental effort.
Effects on the body:
- best known remedy for digestive upsets with a beneficial action on stomach, liver and intestines.
- it is valuable for colic, sea or travel sickness, indigestion, vomiting and stomach pain; its antispasmodic action relieves the smooth muscles of stomach and gut.
* (use well diluted to massage abdomen in clockwise direction)
- peppermint has a cooling action on the body; in feverish conditions, the body's reaction causes a warming effect which induces sweating thereby reducing the fever in a natural way.
- headaches and migraines respond well to peppermint.
- it cleans sinus and lung congestion.
- also used to treat muscle spasms and inflammation (arthritis, neuralgia and rheumatism).
Effects on the spirit:
- will help to wake up and stimulate the chakras.
N.B.
* Special precautions:
- store away from homeopathic remedies and do not use in conjunction with such treatment as it may act as antidote.
- avoid using when breast feeding as it halts lactation.
- do not use in the evening as it can cause wakefulness; over long periods it may disturb normal sleep patterns.
- due to its vasoconstricting properties, it is best to err on the safe side and not use on people with high blood pressure.
- can irritate sensitive skin.
** Do not use on babies and small children (due to its cooling action on the body).
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